The verses of the Koran usually employed as charms are those of the last two chapters, and the ayat el hafz or verses of protection, such as “God is the best Protector and the most merciful of those that show mercy” (ch. 12, v. 64), and “We guard them from every devil” (ch. 15, v. 17).
The last verse brings us to the belief in Jinns and afreets, which may be compared in some respects to European notions of fairies, goblins, and earth and water spirits. Jinn are ubiquitous but especially love to frequent ruins, graveyards, empty buildings, wells, ovens, baths, and similar places. The name of God pronounced upon opening or shutting doors, cupboards, and chests prevents the Jinns from entering them, and they, like Western fairies, are afraid of iron. These spirits are sometimes visible in human form or in the guise of animals. They may be friendly to mortals or spiteful and dangerous.
When in Cairo in 1913 a curious case of the supposed pranks of a spirit was related to me. The person whose house was disturbed was a highly respectable and well-known theological Professor, whom I met on two occasions. The phenomena consisted of the books in the Professor’s library being thrown about, the household washing being torn from the flat roof and hurled into the street, and the pulling and tearing of the clothes of a certain serving maid.
From an article on ‘Arab Superstitions’ by C.D. Brunton, in The Scotsman, 5th November 1926.